If ever a band seems ripe for a major breakthrough, Sweden’s Shout Out Louds are prime candidates. But ask Phoenix, it is hard work to cross the line in the sand from indie stars to the “mainstream”. While it might not take 10 years like Phoenix (or it might not happen at all), Shout Out Louds are at least putting the necessary work in to give themselves a fighting chance. (Get it? Their upcoming album is called Work.)

Available now, the band has made available a three song digital EP titled Fall Hard. Through Merge’s website, you can give it a listen or pay-up for ownership status. This is in addition to the full length being released on February 23rd, a tour of the U.S., a contest to see them in New York, and offering a free download of Work‘s first single, “Walls”, through their website. These guys definitely get an A for effort.

The Fall Hard EP contains Work track “Fall Hard”, as well as two non-album tracks, “Fall Hard Pt. 2″ and “Can’t Explain”. The tracks are also available from Merge individually, so you can mix and match your very own Shout Out Louds album!

Shout Out Louds 2010 Tour Dates:
03/01 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
05/02 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
05/03 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
05/05 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
05/06 – Boston, MA @ Paradise
05/07 – Montreal, QC @ Cabaret Music Hall
05/08 – Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
05/10 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
05/11 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
05/14 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
05/15 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
05/16 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir
05/18 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
05/20 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
05/21 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey